The Curse Behind The Wizard of Oz: Unfortunate Tales from the Set

Bert Lahr’s Cowardly Lion costume was crafted from genuine lion skins, making it incredibly heavy and unbearably hot. Under the intense Technicolor lights, the suit became stifling, and Lahr often sweated so much that the costume had to be dried overnight. It took multiple people to help him in and out of it.

The weight and heat made long shooting days exhausting. Lahr struggled to move freely, and the thick fur restricted his breathing and flexibility. Though the costume created an iconic look on screen, it was one of the production’s most uncomfortable and demanding wardrobe pieces.